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Sheriff’s Department stars shine at BCSO camp

Medstar Flight Paramedic Nicky Fortune shows a camper the close confines of an emergency response helicopter during the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Camp at Central Baldwin Middle School Wednesday.

JOHN UNDERWOOD / STAFF PHOTOS

A camp volunteer gets up close and personal with One-Eyed Willie an albino boa constrictor, at Shining Star Camp Wednesday at Central Baldwin Middle School, provided by Wes Moore of Alligator Alley in Summerdale.

Campers experience what it’s like driving while wearing special goggles to simulate alcohol and marijuana impairment during an alcohol awareness talk by Daphne Police Department school resource officer Jamie Huffman.

Lt. Tony Nolfe, commander of the BCSO’s patrol division, presents a slide show demonstration about the Sheriff’s Department.

School resource officer, BCSO Deputy Craig Stoffle shows campers a tool used in weapons training during a firearms safety talk.

A junior deputy with the BCSO’s Mounted Posse gives a camper a ride during Shining Star Camp last week at CBMS.

LOXLEY, Alabama — More than 450 campers participated in the 2017 Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camps, held this summer at locations throughout Baldwin County.

Four camps were held during the months of June, July and August, including two new venues, Magnolia School in June and Rockwell Elementary in July.

Camps were also held at Fairhope Intermediate School and Central Baldwin Middle School with a family fun day held Saturday at CBMS, open to all campers who attended any of the camps combined.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camp is a program established to promote positive interaction between the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and children between the ages of 8 and 13.

The purpose of the program is to build life skills, instill confidence and develop self esteem. The curriculum includes a wide range of activities that will incorporate team work, physical fitness and general Sheriff’s Office information.

This program is a cooperative effort by several public safety and public service agencies throughout Baldwin County, which provide knowledge in a safe and fun environment.

“This is just one of many examples of how our school system and Sheriff’s Office work together to help promote a healthy school environment,” said Anthony Sampson, director of prevention and support services for the Baldwin County School System.

The Camp staff is comprised of volunteers of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement and public safety participating agencies. The camp fee is $30 and includes camp shirts and activities.

“This is the prime opportunity for our youth to learn from our law enforcement in an up close and personal atmosphere while having fun,” said Cpl. Jeff Spaller, senior resource officer for the BCSO, the camps’ director. “Over the last nine years we have had over 2,500 kids come to our youth camps. Find a one time or repeat camper and ask about our camp. It doesn’t take long to see the smile come across their face with an eagerness to share an experience of something they learned.”